Most recently she traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Jamie’s hard work over the years was rewarded. Her team won the gold medal at the Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Challenge in August 2022.
Jamie recalls being tentative—even frightened a bit—when family friends first introduced her to sled hockey at the age of 12.
“I didn’t know adaptive sports was even a thing,” said Jamie. “It looked terrifying because it was really fast and they hit each other."
But then she attended a practice session for the Cincinnati IceBreakers, a sled hockey team for people with physical impairments, and her life was changed forever.
“I showed up to the ice rink and all the equipment was laid out for me,” said Jamie. “They put me on the sled, pushed me out, and that’s when I realized hockey is what I want to do in life.”
She also discovered her competitive spirit and in her teens worked hard to make the US team. She’s made close friends and enjoys traveling across the country to compete in tournaments and participate in hockey camps.
“That’s actually one of my favorite parts of it,” said Jamie, recalling the different places she’s gone, from Phoenix to Buffalo.
After spending so much time in the hospital at a young age, Jamie is grateful to be able to travel independently now and see different parts of the country.
“I was in the hospital a lot when I was younger for major surgeries,” she said. “But I’ve had awesome nurses, and it’s been a great experience. It’s gotten me to where I am now.”
Best Decision Ever Made
Her parents couldn’t be happier for their daughter. From the day she was born, Tom and Allison only wanted the best in life for Jamie. They have long-encouraged her now growing independence.